Protective case for electronic device

- Otter Products, LLC

A protective case for an electronic device is provided. The protective case includes a first portion configured to receive a bottom portion of the electronic device and a second portion attached to the first portion and configured to receive a top portion of the electronic device. The second portion includes a primary portion and a secondary portion. The primary portion is movable relative to the secondary portion between a closed configuration and an open configuration. The open configuration includes an opening formed between the primary portion and the secondary portion for receiving the electronic device in the protective case.

Skip to: Description  ·  Claims  ·  References Cited  · Patent History  ·  Patent History
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application 62/653,005, filed Apr. 5, 2018, and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Personal electronic devices are commonly used for communication, entertainment purposes, as well as Internet access and a variety of other purposes. Examples of personal electronic devices include smartphones, tablet computers, gaming devices, audio players, video players, cameras, portable computers, two-way radios, GPS receivers, smart glasses, virtual reality glasses or helmets, masks or eyewear including an electronic display, and/or other portable devices.

Protective cases for electronic devices provide protection for the electronic device from various forms of damage, including damage from dust, water, snow, dirt, and drops. Exemplary protective cases are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,342,325; 9,295,174; 9,300,344; 9,774,713; and 9,807,211, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

SUMMARY

In one exemplary embodiment, a protective case for an electronic device is provided. The protective case includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is configured to encase a first portion of the electronic device when the electronic device is positioned within the protective case. The second portion configured to encase a second portion of the electronic device when the electronic device is positioned within the protective case. The second portion includes a primary portion and a secondary portion. The secondary portion is flexibly attached to the first portion by a living hinge. The secondary portion is movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration. The second portion is configured to allow the electronic device to be inserted into or removed from the protective case when the secondary portion is in the open configuration. The second portion is configured to form a waterproof seal with the primary portion when the secondary portion is in the closed configuration. In a more particular embodiment, the secondary portion forms about 50% or less of the perimeter of the protective case.

In one exemplary embodiment, a protective case for an electronic device is provided. The protective case includes a rear surface configured to at least partially cover a rear surface of the electronic device when the electronic device is encased in the protective case. The rear surface includes an attachment region comprising a plurality of hooks integrally formed into the rear surface of the protective case. The plurality of hooks are configured to releasably attach to corresponding loops of an accessory module.

In one exemplary embodiment, a protective case for an electronic device is provided. The protective case includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is configured to cover at least a portion of a rear of the electronic device when the electronic device is positioned within the protective case. The second portion is configured to cover at least a portion of the front of the electronic device when the electronic device is positioned within the protective case. One of the first portion and the second portion includes one or more grooves and the other of the first portion and the second portion includes one or more projections configured to be inserted into the one or more grooves to allow the second portion to slide relative to the first portion between an open configuration and a closed configuration. The protective case also includes an end member positioned on a distal end of the second portion and formed from a flexible material. The end member configured to be deformed to allow for the installation or removal of the electronic device from the protective case.

In one exemplary embodiment, a membrane for protecting a touch-screen of an electronic device is provided. The membrane has a main portion formed from a transparent polymeric material and having a first thickness. The membrane further has a reduced thickness portion having a second thickness, the second thickness being less than the first thickness. The reduced thickness portion is integrally formed from the transparent polymeric material of the main portion.

In one exemplary embodiment, a protective case for an electronic device is provided. The protective case includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is configured to cover at least a portion of a rear of the electronic device when the electronic device is positioned within the protective case. The second portion is configured to cover at least a portion of the front of the electronic device when the electronic device is positioned within the protective case. The second portion includes a plurality of clasping mechanisms configured to selectively engage with a corresponding plurality of clasping mechanisms on the first portion. The protective case further includes a recess formed in at least one of the first portion and the second portion and a case key attached to one of the first portion and the second portion. The case key is movable from a first position in which the case key is at least partially positioned within the recess to a second position in which the case key is configured to release at least some of the plurality of clasping mechanisms of the second portion from the corresponding clasping mechanisms of the first portion. In one more particular embodiment, the case key is configured to rotate relative to the first portion and the second portion between the first position and the second position, and the case key is configured to release at least some of the plurality of clasping mechanisms of the second portion from the corresponding clasping mechanisms of the first portion by twisting the case key relative to the first portion and the second portion. In another more particular embodiment, the case key is configured to rotate and slide relative to the first portion and the second portion between the first position and the second position, and the case key is configured to release at least some of the plurality of clasping mechanisms of the second portion from the corresponding clasping mechanisms of the first portion by inserting a wedge of the case key into a slot of formed between the first portion and the second portion.

In one exemplary embodiment, a protective case for an electronic device is provided. The protective case includes a first portion configured to receive a bottom portion of the electronic device and a second portion attached to the first portion and configured to receive a top portion of the electronic device. The second portion includes a primary portion and a secondary portion. The primary portion is movable relative to the secondary portion between a closed configuration and an open configuration. The open configuration includes an opening formed between the primary portion and the secondary portion for receiving the electronic device in the protective case.

In one exemplary embodiment, a protective case for an electronic device is provided. The protective case includes a first portion configured to at least partially cover a rear surface of the electronic device when the electronic device is received in the protective case and a second portion configured to at least partially cover a front surface of the electronic device when the electronic device is received in the protective case. One of the first portion and the second portion includes one or more grooves and the other of the first portion and the second portion includes one or more projections received within the grooves. The one or more projections are configured to slide within the one or more grooves to allow the first portion to slide relative to the second portion between a closed configuration and an open configuration including an opening formed between the first portion and the second portion for receiving the electronic device in the protective case.

In one exemplary embodiment, a protective case for an electronic device is provided. The protective case includes a first portion configured to cover at least a portion of a rear of the electronic device when the electronic device is received within the protective case and a second portion configured to cover at least a portion of the front of the electronic device when the electronic device is positioned within the protective case. The second portion includes a plurality of clasping mechanisms configured to selectively engage with a corresponding plurality of clasping mechanisms on the first portion. The protective case also includes a recess formed in at least one of the first portion and the second portion and a case key attached to one of the first portion and the second portion. The case key is movable from a first position in which the case key is at least partially positioned within the recess to a second position in which the case key is configured to release at least some of the plurality of clasping mechanisms of the second portion from the corresponding clasping mechanisms of the first portion.

In a further embodiment of any of the above embodiments, a rear surface of the protective case includes a plurality of hooks integrally molded into the rear surface of the protective case, the plurality of hooks configured to releasably attach the protective case to corresponding loops of an accessory module.

In a further embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the protective case includes a screen protector configured to at least partially cover a display of the electronic device when the electronic device is received within the protective case, the screen protector including a reduced thickness area having a thickness less than a thickness of a remainder of the screen protector, the reduced thickness area configured to align with a button or a fingerprint sensor of the electronic device when the electronic device is received within the protective case.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary electronic device received within a protective case.

FIG. 2A illustrates inserting an electronic device into an exemplary protective case in an open configuration.

FIG. 2B illustrates the protective case of FIG. 2A in a closed configuration.

FIG. 3A illustrates inserting an electronic device into an exemplary protective case in an open configuration.

FIG. 3B illustrates the protective case of FIG. 3A in a closed configuration.

FIG. 4A illustrates a front view of an exemplary protective case in an open configuration.

FIG. 4B illustrates a side view of the protective case of FIG. 4A in the open configuration.

FIG. 5A illustrates a front view of an exemplary protective case including a rotatable opening mechanism.

FIG. 5B illustrates a side view of the protective case of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 6A illustrates a front view of an exemplary case including a slidable opening mechanism.

FIG. 6B illustrates a side view of the protective case of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 7 illustrates a back view of an exemplary protective case.

FIG. 8A illustrates a front view of an exemplary screen protector for protecting a front surface of an electronic device.

FIG. 8B illustrates an exemplary tool for forming the screen protector of FIG. 8A.

 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary electronic device 10 received within a protective case 20. Exemplary electronic devices 10 include smartphones, tablet computers, gaming devices, audio players, video players, fitness devises, medical devices, cameras, portable computers, two-way radios, GPS receivers, and/or other portable devices. Electronic device 10 includes a display 12, such as a touch-screen display. In some embodiments, electronic device 10 includes one or more input devices 14, such as knobs, switches, or buttons, for receiving an input from a user. Electronic device 10 further includes a charge port 16 adapted to receive a cable configured to provide electrical power and/or exchange data with electronic device 10.

Protective case 20 at least partially covers one or more surfaces of electronic device 10. In some embodiments, protective case 20 includes a frame member 22 at least partially surrounding the received electronic device 10. In some embodiments, protective case 20 includes one or more molded buttons 24 positioned to align with one or more of the input devices 14 of the electronic device 10 to allow a user to interact with the input device 14 when the electronic device 10 is received within protective case 20.

In some embodiments, the frame member 22 includes an aperture 26 providing access to the charge port 16 of electronic device 10. In some exemplary embodiments, the aperture 26 may be covered by a charge port cover 28 moveable between the closed position illustrated in FIG. 1 and an open position providing access to the charge port 16 of electronic device 10.

In some embodiments, protective case 20 includes a screen protector 30 configured to cover at least a portion of the display 12 of electronic device 10 when electronic device 10 is received within protective case 20. In some embodiments, at least a portion of screen protector 30 is transparent to allow a user to view display 12 of electronic device 10. In some more particular embodiments, screen protector 30 comprises a glass or fortified glass material. In other more particular embodiments, screen protector 30 comprises a thermoplastic membrane, such as a membrane formed from polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycarbonate (PC), poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), or other suitable material.

Referring next to FIGS. 2A and 2B, a protective case 50 for protecting electronic device 10 is illustrated. In some embodiments, protective case 20 (FIG. 1) is protective case 50.

Protective case 50 includes a first portion 52 and a second portion 54. Although illustrated in FIG. 2A with the first portion 52 as a bottom portion of case 50 and the second portion 54 as a top portion of case 50, in other embodiments first portion 52 comprises a top portion or side portion of case 50 and second portion 54 comprises a bottom portion or side opposing portion of case 50.

First portion 52 illustratively encases at least a portion of electronic device 10 when electronic device 10 is received within case 50, such as at least a portion of the bottom of electronic device 10. In some embodiments, first portion 52 provides a waterproof barrier between the received electronic device 10 and an external environment.

Second portion 54 illustratively encases at least a portion of electronic device 10 when electronic device 10 is received within case 50, such as at least a portion of the top of electronic device 10. Second portion 54 includes a primary portion 56 and secondary portion 58. Primary portion 56 illustratively covers at least a portion of electronic device 10 when electronic device 10 is received within case 50, such as at least a portion of the top back surface of electronic device 10. Secondary portion 58 illustratively covers at least a portion of electronic device 10 when electronic device 10 is received within case 50, such as at least a portion of the top front surface of electronic device 10.

One or more of primary portion 56 and secondary portion 58 is flexibly attached to the first portion 52, such as with a living hinge 60. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 12A, primary portion 56 is rigidly attached to a rear surface of first portion 52 and secondary portion 58 is flexibly attached to a front surface of first portion 52. In other embodiments, primary portion 56 is flexibly attached to a rear surface of first portion 52 and secondary portion 58 is rigidly attached to a front surface of first portion 52. In still other embodiments, primary portion 56 and secondary portion 58 are each flexibly attached to first portion 52, such as with living hinges 60.

Second portion 54 is movable between an open configuration, as shown in FIG. 2A, and a closed configuration, as shown in FIG. 2B. In the open configuration, secondary portion 58 is flexed about living hinge 60 away from primary portion 56 to form an opening 62 into which electronic device 10 can be inserted into or removed from protective case 50. In the closed configuration, primary portion 56 and secondary portion 58 together encase at least a portion of electronic device 10 when the device 10 is received within case 50. In some embodiments, primary portion 56 and secondary portion 58 form a waterproof seal between the received electronic device 10 and an external environment. At least one of primary portion 56 and secondary portion 58 may include a gasket 64 to help provide a waterproof seal.

In some exemplary embodiments, at least a portion of first portion 52 is formed of a resilient flexible material, such that protective case 50 can be deformed to allow entry or removal of electronic device 10 when secondary portion 58 is in the open position.

In some exemplary embodiments, the primary portion 56 includes clasping mechanisms configured to selectively engage with corresponding clasping mechanisms on the secondary portion 58 to secure the case in the closed configuration. Exemplary clasping mechanisms are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,342,325, the disclosure of which are hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

As illustrated in FIG. 2A, the protective case 50 has an overall height indicated by d1. The second portion 54 is movable about a flexible hinge 60 positioned at a distance from the closest edge of case 50 at a distance indicated by d2. In some exemplary embodiments, the relative position of flexible hinge 60, as indicated by the ratio d2/d1 is as great as about 75%, about 70%, about 65%, about 60%, about 55%, about 50%, about 45%, about 40%, about 35%, as little as about 33%, about 30%, about 25%, about 20%, or less, or within any range defined between any two of the foregoing values, such as 20% to 75%, 20% to 50%, or 25% to 35%.

In some exemplary embodiments, protective case 50 provides protection from water by providing a waterproof seal around opening 62. In a typical waterproof case, a waterproof seal must be provided around an entire circumference of the case. However, as illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B, only the portion of protective case along primary portion 76 and secondary portion 78 needs to provide a waterproof enclosure for device 10. Accordingly, the length of the waterproof seal may be reduced compared to a typical waterproof case. In some exemplary embodiments, the gap sealed by a waterproof seal around opening 62 extends around as much as 75%, 70%, 60%, as little as 50%, 40%, 30%, or 25%, or less, of the total perimeter of protective case 50, or within any range defined between any two of the foregoing values, such as 25% to 75% or 50% to 75%. Advantageously, a shorter waterproof seal may provide fewer potential failure locations than a longer waterproof seal.

Referring next to FIGS. 3A and 3B, a protective case 70 for protecting electronic device 10 is illustrated. In some embodiments, protective case 20 (FIG. 1) is protective case 70.

Protective case 70 includes a first portion 72 and a second portion 74. Although illustrated in FIG. 3A with the first portion 72 as a bottom portion of case 70 and the second portion 74 as a top portion of case 70, in other embodiments first portion 72 comprises a top portion or side portion of case 70 and second portion 74 comprises a bottom portion or side opposing portion of case 70.

First portion 72 illustratively encases at least a portion of electronic device 10 when electronic device 10 is received within case 70, such as at least a portion of the bottom of electronic device 10. In some embodiments, first portion 72 provides a waterproof barrier between the received electronic device 10 and an external environment.

Second portion 74 is movable between an open configuration, as shown in FIG. 3A, and a closed configuration, as shown in FIG. 3B.

Second portion 74 illustratively encases at least a portion of electronic device 10 when electronic device 10 is received within case 70, such as at least a portion of the top of electronic device 10. Second portion 74 includes a primary portion 76 and secondary portion 78. Primary portion 76 illustratively covers at least a portion of electronic device 10 when electronic device 10 is received within case 78, such as at least a portion of the top back surface of electronic device 10. Secondary portion 78 illustratively covers at least a portion of electronic device 10 when electronic device 10 is received within case 78, such as at least a portion of the top front surface of electronic device 10.

One or more of primary portion 76 and secondary portion 78 is formed from a resilient flexible material configured to deform, thereby creating an opening 80 to allow entry or removal of electronic device 10 when second portion 74 is in the open position. In the illustrated embodiment, secondary portion 78 is formed from a resilient flexible material, thereby allowing secondary portion 78 to deform outwardly from primary portion 76 above a transition point 82 positioned between first portion 72 and second portion 74, thereby creating opening 80. In other embodiments, primary portion 76 is formed from a resilient flexible material, thereby allowing primary portion 76 to deform outwardly from secondary portion 78 above a transition point 82 between first portion 72 and second portion 74, thereby creating opening 80. In still other embodiments, primary portion 76 and secondary portion 78 are each formed from a resilient flexible material, thereby allowing primary portion 76 and secondary portion 78 to deform outwardly from each other above a transition point 82 between first portion 72 and second portion 74, thereby creating opening 80.

As illustrated in FIG. 3A, transition point 82 is positioned where first portion 72 meets second portion 74. Above transition point 82, second portion 74 includes primary portion 76 and secondary portion 78 formed from separate pieces that can be flexed open to allow electronic device 10 to be inserted into opening 80. Below transition point 82, first portion 72 does not include separate pieces that can be flexed open. In some exemplary embodiments, the pieces comprising primary portion 76 and secondary portion 78 are permanently fused together below transition point 82 to form first portion 72. In other embodiments, first portion 72 includes a single piece of material that is affixed to primary portion 76 and secondary portion 78 at transition point 82 to allow primary portion 76 and secondary portion 78 to flex between the open position illustrated in FIG. 3A and the closed position illustrated in FIG. 3B.

In some embodiments, forming the first portion 72 from a single piece of material or two permanently fused portions 76, 78, provides increased strength and/or durability to the portion of frame member 22 proximate aperture 26 for the charge port 16 of electronic device 10 (see FIG. 1).

In some embodiments, primary portion 76 and secondary portion 78 form a waterproof seal between the received electronic device 10 and an external environment. At least one of primary portion 76 and secondary portion 78 may include a gasket (not shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B) to help provide a waterproof seal.

In some exemplary embodiments, the primary portion 76 includes clasping mechanisms configured to selectively engage with corresponding clasping mechanisms on the secondary portion 78 to secure the case in the closed configuration.

As illustrated in FIG. 3A, the protective case 70 has an overall height indicated by d1. The transition point 82 between the first portion 72 and second portion 74 where the primary portion 76 and secondary portion 78 begin is positioned at a distance from the closest edge of case 70 at a distance indicated by d3. In some exemplary embodiments, the relative position of flexible hinge 60, as indicated by the ratio d3/d1 is as great as about 75%, about 70%, about 65%, about 60%, about 55%, about 50%, about 45%, about 40%, about 35%, as little as about 33%, about 30%, about 25%, about 20%, or less, or within any range defined between any two of the foregoing values, such as 20% to 75%, 20% to 50%, or 25% to 35%.

In some exemplary embodiments, protective case 70 provides protection from water by providing a waterproof seal around opening 80. In a typical waterproof case, a waterproof seal must be provided around an entire circumference of the case. However, as illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B, only the portion of protective case 70 along primary portion 76 and secondary portion 78 needs to provide a waterproof enclosure for device 10. Accordingly, the length of the waterproof seal may be reduced compared to a typical waterproof case. In some exemplary embodiments, the gap sealed by a waterproof seal around opening 80 extends around as much as 75%, 70%, 60%, as little as 50%, 40%, 30%, or 25%, or less, of the total perimeter of protective case 70, or within any range defined between any two of the foregoing values, such as 25% to 75% or 50% to 75%. Advantageously, a shorter waterproof seal may provide fewer potential failure locations than a longer waterproof seal.

Referring next to FIGS. 4A and 4B, a protective case 90 for protecting electronic device 10 is illustrated. In some embodiments, protective case 20 (FIG. 1) is protective case 90. FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate protective case 90 in an open configuration.

Protective case 90 includes a first portion 92 at least partially covering a rear surface of electronic device 10 and a second portion 94 at least partially covering a front surface of electronic device 10. First portion 92 illustratively includes one or more grooves 96 into which corresponding projections 98 of second portion 94 are inserted. In other embodiments, second portion 94 includes grooves 96 and first portion 92 includes the corresponding projection 98.

Second portion 94 slides in one or more grooves 96 relative to first portion 92 between a closed configuration, such as illustrated in FIG. 1 and an open configuration as illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B. In the open configuration, an opening 106 is formed between the first portion 92 and the second portion 94 into which the electronic device 10 can be placed into or removed from protective case 90.

Protective case 90 includes one or more locking projections 100 configured to be releasably received in corresponding detents 102 to hold protective case 90 in the closed configuration. Grooves 96 may include one or more stops (not shown) to provide a maximum open configuration beyond which projections 98 are unable to travel in grooves 96. In some exemplary embodiments, the opening 106 has a length d4 in the maximum open configuration as great as 75%, 70%, 65%, 60%, as little as 55%, 50%, 45%, 40%, compared to the length d5 of the first portion 92, or between any two of the foregoing values, such as 40% to 75% or 45% to 60%.

In some embodiments, second portion 94 includes end member 104 at a bottom end of second portion 94. End member 104 is formed from a resilient flexible material, such as thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). End member 104 serves to provide a bottom end to protective case 90, maintaining electronic device 10 in protective case 90 in the closed configuration. During installation or removal of electronic device 10 in protective case 90, end member 104 is deformed to allow electronic device 10 to be slid in or slid out of protective case 90.

In another exemplary embodiment, once the protective case 90 is in the open position, the first portion 92 can be flexed relative to the second portion 94 to allow electronic device 10 to be slid in or slid out of protective case 90. In a more particular embodiment, the projections 98 are configured to flex within grooves 96 to allow first portion 92 to flex relative to second portion 94 enough to allow electronic device 10 to be received within opening 106 of protective case 90.

Referring next to FIGS. 5A and 5B, a protective case 110 for protecting electronic device 10 is illustrated. In some embodiments, protective case 20 (FIG. 1) is protective case 110.

Protective case 110 includes a first portion 112 covering at least a portion of a front surface of electronic device 10 and a second portion 114 covering at least a back surface of electronic device 10.

First portion 112 and second portion 114 are releasably secured together with one or more clasping mechanisms. In some exemplary embodiments, first portion 112 includes clasping mechanisms configured to selectively engage with corresponding clasping mechanisms on second portion 114 to secure the case in the closed configuration.

Case 110 further includes a case key 116 rotatably attached by connection 118 to one of the first portion 112 and the second portion 114. Case key 116 is illustratively attached to first portion 112 or second portion 114 by a cam tether. Case key 116 is rotatable between a first position, in which case key 116 is positioned within recess 120 and a second position, as illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B.

To open protective case 110, such as to place electronic device 10 into or remove electronic device 10 from protective case, case key 116 is rotated about connection 118 from the first position within recess 120 to the second position, as shown by arrow A in FIG. 5A. Case key 116 is then twisted about the connection 118 as shown by arrow B1 or B2 in FIG. 5B to disengage clasping mechanisms in first portion 112 from corresponding clasping mechanisms in second portion 114 in a region of protective case 110 proximate case key 116 to form a gap.

A user can then expand this gap with additional twisting of case key 116 as shown by arrows B1 and B2, or can pull first portion 112 away from second portion 114 to separate first portion 112 and second portion, exposing the interior of protective case 110 and allowing electronic device 10 to be placed into or removed from the interior.

Although case key 116 is illustrated on a side of protective case 120 in FIGS. 5A and 5B, in other embodiments case key 116 is provided on a top or bottom side of protective case 110.

Advantageously, integrated case key 116 is connected to protective case 110, and therefore cannot be easily lost or misplaced by a user. Moreover, case key 116 can be stored in recess 120 such that it does not interfere with the use of the protective case 110 and electronic device 10.

Referring next to FIGS. 6A and 6B, a protective case 140 for protecting electronic device 10 is illustrated. In some embodiments, protective case 20 (FIG. 1) is protective case 140.

Protective case 140 includes a first portion 142 covering at least a portion of a front surface of electronic device 10 and a second portion 144 covering at least a back surface of electronic device 10.

First portion 142 and second portion 144 are releasably secured together with one or more clasping mechanisms. In some exemplary embodiments, first portion 142 includes clasping mechanisms configured to selectively engage with corresponding clasping mechanisms on second portion 144 to secure the case in the closed configuration.

Case 140 further includes a case key 146 attached to one of the first portion 142 and the second portion 144. Case key 146 includes a wedge 148 at the distal end. Wedge 148 is configured to be wedged into a corresponding slot 150 in protective case 140 to separate first portion 142 and second portion 144 to open protective case.

Case key 146 is movable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the stem 160 is stored within recess 154 and wedge 148 is stored within recess 152 (position shown in dashed lines in FIG. 6A). In the second position, as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the wedge 148 is aligned with the slot 150 to open protective case 140.

To open protective case 140, such as to place electronic device 10 into or remove electronic device 10 from protective case, case key 146 is moved from the first position to the second position by rotating the stem 160 and wedge 148 about base 156 as shown by arrow A in FIG. 6A. The base 156 is then slid through recess 154 as shown by arrow B in FIG. 6A. Although arrow B illustrates a movement toward the bottom of case 140, in other embodiments base 156 is slid in a direction toward the top of case 140. In other embodiments, case key 146 is provided on a top or bottom side of protective case 140. In some embodiments, the movement as shown by arrow A and arrow B are combined into a single movement. In some embodiments, base 156 is wider than the gap in recess 154, allowing base 156 to rotate and slide within recess 154, such as shown by arrows A and B in FIG. 6A.

The case key 146 is positioned such that the wedge 148 is aligned with the slot 148. In some embodiments, slot 148 is a beveled keyhole slot positioned on part line 158 between first portion 142 and second portion 144. In some exemplary embodiments, slot 148 does not extend through case 140 into an interior of protective case 140. The wedge 148 is then pushed into slot 148 as shown by arrow C in FIG. 6A, pushing apart first portion 142 and second portion 142 to disengage clasping mechanisms in first portion 142 from corresponding clasping mechanisms in second portion 144 in a region of protective case 140 proximate case key 146 to form a gap.

A user can then expand this gap with additional pressing of case key 146 into slot 150 as shown by arrow C, or can pull first portion 142 away from second portion 144 to separate first portion 142 and second portion 144, exposing the interior of protective case 140 and allowing electronic device 10 to be placed into or removed from the interior.

Advantageously, integrated case key 146 is connected to protective case 140, and therefore cannot be easily lost or misplaced by a user. Moreover, case key 146 can be stored when not in use such that it does not interfere with the use of the protective case 110 and electronic device 10.

Referring next to FIG. 7, a rear view of a protective case 170 for protecting electronic device 10 is illustrated. In some embodiments, protective case 20 (FIG. 1) is protective case 170. Exemplary protective cases are also disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,295,174 and 9,774,713, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. Protective case 170 includes a rear surface 172 at least partially covering a rear surface of the encased electronic device. Rear surface 172 includes an attachment region 176.

Attachment region 176 illustratively includes a plurality of hooks 176 molded into the rear surface 172 of protective case 170. In some exemplary embodiments, rear surface 172 is formed from a thermoplastic material and the plurality of hooks 176 are formed from injection molding the thermoplastic material into a mold, resulting in the plurality of hooks 176 being integrally formed with the rear surface 172 of protective case 170. The plurality of hooks 46 are configured to releasably attach protective case 170 to corresponding loops on an accessory module (not shown), such as a mounting module for a bicycle, armband, or dashboard.

In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7, attachment region 174 is at least partially bounded by an edge 178 of the rear surface 172. In other embodiments, attachment region 174 is not bounded by an edge 178 and is surrounded by rear surface 172.

In some exemplary embodiments, attachment region 176 is flush with the rear surface 172. In other exemplary embodiments, attachment region 176 is recessed with respect to rear surface 172.

Although illustratively formed as a part of rear surface 172 in FIG. 7, in other embodiments the plurality of hooks 176 of attachment region 174 may be formed on a front and/or side surface of protective case 170. In some embodiments, the plurality of hooks 176 are formed on two or more of a front surface, the rear surface 172 and one or more side surfaces of protective case 170.

Referring next to FIGS. 8A and 8B, an exemplary screen protector 30 for a protective case is illustrated. In some embodiments, screen protector 30 is a thermoplastic membrane screen protector 30 for protective case 20 (FIG. 1). Other protective cases including membranes are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,342,325, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Screen protector 30 is configured to overlay and protect at least a portion of a display 12 of an electronic device 10 (FIG. 1). In some embodiments, screen protector 30 comprises a flexible transparent polymeric material, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, screen protector 30 has a front surface 32 and a rear surface 34 opposite front surface 32. In some embodiments, screen protector 30 provides interactive access to a touch-screen interface of an electronic device in contact with rear surface 34 of screen protector 30.

Screen protector 30 includes reduced thickness area 36, the reduced thickness area 36 having a thickness less than the thickness of the main portion 42 screen protector 30. In some exemplary embodiments, reduced thickness area 36 is positioned to align with a button or fingerprint sensor of an electronic device in contact with rear surface 34 of screen protector 30. In some exemplary embodiments, reduced thickness area 36 has a thickness as little as 10%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 40%, as great as 50%, 60%, 70%, 75%, or 80% of the main portion 42 of screen protector 30, or within any range defined between any two of the foregoing values, such as 10% to 80% or 25% to 75%.

In some embodiments, reduced thickness area 36 has increased flexibility compared to membrane 30 to allow a user to actuate the button of the electronic device 10 through reduced thickness area 36. In some exemplary embodiments, reduced thickness area 36 allows a fingerprint sensor, such as an in-screen ultrasonic fingerprint sensor in a display 12 of an electronic device 10 in contact with rear surface 34 of screen protector 30 to read a user's fingerprint placed in contact with front surface 32.

As illustrated in FIGS. 8A and 8B, reduced thickness area 36 is integrally formed from screen protector 30. Reduced thickness area 36 is not a separate piece of material that is adhered to an aperture formed in screen protector 30

In one exemplary embodiment, reduced thickness area 36 is formed by stamping or coining screen protector 30 with an apparatus 38 such as a stamping or machining press. A die-head 40 of apparatus 38 impacts a selected area of screen protector 30 and thins the material to form reduced thickness area 36.

In another exemplary embodiment, reduced thickness area 36 is formed by chemically etching the material of screen protector 30, such as by acid or other suitable chemical. In another exemplary embodiment, reduced thickness area 36 is formed by laser engraving the material of screen protector 30. In another exemplary embodiment, reduced thickness area 36 is formed by mechanically treating the material of screen protector 30, such as by machining, grinding, or polishing the material of screen protector 30.

The elements, components, and steps described herein are meant to exemplify some types of possibilities. In no way should the aforementioned examples limit the scope of the invention, as they are only exemplary embodiments.

The phrases “in some embodiments,” “according to some embodiments,” “in the embodiments shown,” “in other embodiments,” “in some examples,” “in other examples,” “in some cases,” “in some situations,” “in one configuration,” “in another configuration,” and the like generally mean that the particular technique, feature, structure, or characteristic following the phrase is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention and/or may be included in more than one embodiment of the present invention. In addition, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiments or to different embodiments.

The foregoing disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. Other modifications and variations of the disclosed techniques may be possible in view of the above teachings. The embodiments described in the foregoing disclosure were chosen to explain the principles of the concept and its practical application to enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention. It is intended that the claims be construed to include other alternative embodiments of the invention, except as limited by the prior art.

Claims

1. A protective case for an electronic device, the protective case comprising:

a first portion configured to receive a bottom portion of the electronic device;
a second portion attached to the first portion and configured to receive a top portion of the electronic device, the second portion including a primary portion and a secondary portion, the primary portion movable relative to the secondary portion between a closed configuration and an open configuration including an opening formed between the primary portion and the secondary portion for receiving the electronic device in the protective case; and
a case key rotatably attached to one of the first portion and the second portion, the case key movable from a first position in which the case key is at least partially positioned within a recess of the protective case to a second position in which the case key is configured to release the secondary portion from the primary portion, wherein the case key remains directly and rotatably attached to the one of the first portion and the second portion in both the first position and the second position.

2. The protective case of claim 1, wherein the primary portion is configured to cover at least a portion of a back surface of the electronic device and the secondary portion is configured to cover at least a portion of the front surface of the electronic device when the electronic device is received in the protective case.

3. The protective case of claim 1, wherein the primary portion is attached to the secondary portion with a living hinge, the primary portion movable about the living hinge between the closed configuration and the open configuration.

4. The protective case of claim 3, wherein a ratio of the distance between the living hinge and a closer edge selected from a top edge and a bottom edge of the protective case to an overall height of the protective case is between 20% and 75%.

5. The protective case of claim 1, the protective case further comprising a transition point positioned between the first portion and the second portion, wherein the primary portion and the secondary portion are each formed from a resilient flexible material, the primary portion and the secondary portion each configured to resiliently flex away from each other about the transition point to form the opening.

6. The protective case of claim 5, wherein a ratio of the distance between the transition point and a closest edge of the protective case to an overall height of the protective case is between 20% and 75%.

7. The protective case of claim 1, wherein the primary portion includes a first clasping mechanism configured to selectively engage a second clasping mechanism of the secondary portion to secure the protective case in the closed configuration.

8. The protective case of claim 1, further comprising a gasket positioned between the primary portion and the secondary portion, the gasket forming a waterproof seal when the protective case is in the closed configuration.

9. The protective case of claim 1, wherein the case key includes a wedge at a distal end of the case key, wherein the wedge is configured to be wedged into a slot between the first portion and the second portion to release the first portion from the second portion.

10. A protective case for an electronic device, the protective case comprising:

a first portion configured to cover at least a portion of a rear of the electronic device when the electronic device is received within the protective case;
a second portion configured to cover at least a portion of the front of the electronic device when the electronic device is positioned within the protective case, the second portion including a plurality of clasping mechanisms configured to selectively engage with a corresponding plurality of clasping mechanisms on the first portion;
a recess formed in at least one of the first portion and the second portion; and
a case key rotatably attached to one of the first portion and the second portion, the case key movable from a first position in which the case key is at least partially positioned within the recess to a second position in which the case key is configured to release at least some of the plurality of clasping mechanisms of the second portion from the corresponding clasping mechanisms of the first portion, wherein the case key remains directly and rotatably attached to the one of the first portion and the second portion in both the first position and the second position.

11. The protective case of claim 10, wherein the case key is configured to rotate and slide relative to the first portion and the second portion between the first position and the second position, and wherein the case key is configured to release at least some of the plurality of clasping mechanisms of the second portion from the corresponding clasping mechanisms of the first portion by inserting a wedge of the case key into a slot formed between the first portion and the second portion.

12. The protective case of claim 10, wherein a rear surface of the protective case includes a plurality of hooks integrally molded into the rear surface of the protective case, the plurality of hooks configured to releasably attach the protective case to corresponding loops of an accessory module.

13. The protective case of claim 10, wherein the second portion includes a screen protector configured to at least partially cover a display of the electronic device when the electronic device is received within the protective case, the screen protector including a reduced thickness area having a thickness less than a thickness of a remainder of the screen protector, the reduced thickness area configured to align with a button or a fingerprint sensor of the electronic device when the electronic device is received within the protective case.

Referenced Cited
U.S. Patent Documents
2392787 January 1946 Edmond
2851670 September 1958 Robert
3023885 March 1962 Kindseth
3143384 August 1964 Robert
3482895 December 1969 Becklin
3665991 May 1972 Gillemot et al.
3689866 September 1972 Kelly
3832725 August 1974 Cook
3922477 November 1975 Glowacz
4097878 June 27, 1978 Cramer
4298204 November 3, 1981 Jinkins
4312580 January 26, 1982 Schwomma et al.
4375323 March 1, 1983 Inagaki et al.
4383743 May 17, 1983 Nozawa et al.
4418830 December 6, 1983 Dzung et al.
4420078 December 13, 1983 Belt et al.
4546874 October 15, 1985 Kirchhan
4584718 April 22, 1986 Fuller
4649453 March 10, 1987 Iwasawa
4658956 April 21, 1987 Takeda et al.
4686332 August 11, 1987 Greanias et al.
4703161 October 27, 1987 McLean
4712657 December 15, 1987 Myers et al.
4733776 March 29, 1988 Ward
4762227 August 9, 1988 Patterson
4803504 February 7, 1989 Maeno et al.
4836256 June 6, 1989 Meliconi
4942514 July 17, 1990 Miyagaki et al.
4963902 October 16, 1990 Fukahori
4977483 December 11, 1990 Perretta
4994829 February 19, 1991 Tsukamoto
5002184 March 26, 1991 Lloyd
D316932 May 21, 1991 Escher
5025921 June 25, 1991 Gasparaitis et al.
D322165 December 10, 1991 Lloyd
5087934 February 11, 1992 Johnson
5092458 March 3, 1992 Yokoyama
5092459 March 3, 1992 Uljanic et al.
5175873 December 29, 1992 Goldenberg et al.
5177515 January 5, 1993 Tsukamoto
5219067 June 15, 1993 Lima et al.
5231381 July 27, 1993 Duwaer
5233502 August 3, 1993 Beatty et al.
5239323 August 24, 1993 Johnson
5239324 August 24, 1993 Ohmura et al.
5285894 February 15, 1994 Kamata et al.
5294988 March 15, 1994 Wakabayashi et al.
5305032 April 19, 1994 Arai
5336896 August 9, 1994 Katz
5360108 November 1, 1994 Alagia
5368159 November 29, 1994 Doria
5380968 January 10, 1995 Morse
5383091 January 17, 1995 Snell
5386084 January 31, 1995 Risko
5388691 February 14, 1995 White
5388692 February 14, 1995 Withrow et al.
D365927 January 9, 1996 Cho
5505328 April 9, 1996 Stribiak
5508479 April 16, 1996 Schooley
5518802 May 21, 1996 Colvin et al.
5541813 July 30, 1996 Satoh et al.
RE35318 August 27, 1996 Warman
5548306 August 20, 1996 Yates et al.
5583742 December 10, 1996 Noda et al.
5584054 December 10, 1996 Tyneski et al.
5586002 December 17, 1996 Notarianni
5590760 January 7, 1997 Astarb
5610655 March 11, 1997 Wakabayashi et al.
5613237 March 18, 1997 Bent et al.
D378634 April 1, 1997 LaPere
5636101 June 3, 1997 Bonsall et al.
5660566 August 26, 1997 Ohsumi
5669004 September 16, 1997 Sellers
5681122 October 28, 1997 Burke
5707757 January 13, 1998 Lee
5713048 January 27, 1998 Hayakawa
5713466 February 3, 1998 Tajima
5845803 December 8, 1998 Saito et al.
5850915 December 22, 1998 Tajima
5907721 May 25, 1999 Schelling et al.
5946501 August 31, 1999 Hayakawa
5950816 September 14, 1999 Reid
5956291 September 21, 1999 Nehemiah et al.
5982520 November 9, 1999 Weiser et al.
5984157 November 16, 1999 Swetish
5990874 November 23, 1999 Tsumura et al.
5996790 December 7, 1999 Yamada
D419297 January 25, 2000 Richardson et al.
D419768 February 1, 2000 Richardson et al.
6031524 February 29, 2000 Kunert
6041924 March 28, 2000 Tajima
D424035 May 2, 2000 Steiner et al.
6068119 May 30, 2000 Derr et al.
6092707 July 25, 2000 Bowes
6094785 August 1, 2000 Montgomery et al.
6128441 October 3, 2000 Kamata et al.
6132367 October 17, 2000 Adair
6201867 March 13, 2001 Koike
D447634 September 11, 2001 Snider
6304459 October 16, 2001 Toyosato et al.
6311017 October 30, 2001 Mori
6313982 November 6, 2001 Hino
6317313 November 13, 2001 Mosgrove et al.
6349824 February 26, 2002 Yamada
6388877 May 14, 2002 Canova et al.
6396769 May 28, 2002 Polany
6398585 June 4, 2002 Fukuda
6415138 July 2, 2002 Sirola et al.
6445577 September 3, 2002 Madsen et al.
6447140 September 10, 2002 Lu
6456487 September 24, 2002 Hetterick
D464196 October 15, 2002 Parker
6471056 October 29, 2002 Tzeng
6519141 February 11, 2003 Tseng et al.
6525928 February 25, 2003 Madsen et al.
6532152 March 11, 2003 White et al.
6536589 March 25, 2003 Chang
6571056 May 27, 2003 Shimamura et al.
6574434 June 3, 2003 Matsuoto et al.
6594472 July 15, 2003 Curtis et al.
6595608 July 22, 2003 Minelli et al.
6597865 July 22, 2003 Negishi et al.
6614423 September 2, 2003 Wong et al.
6614722 September 2, 2003 Polany et al.
6616111 September 9, 2003 White
6617973 September 9, 2003 Osterman
6625394 September 23, 2003 Smith et al.
6634494 October 21, 2003 Derr et al.
6636697 October 21, 2003 Smith et al.
6646864 November 11, 2003 Richardson
6659274 December 9, 2003 Enners
6665174 December 16, 2003 Derr et al.
6667738 December 23, 2003 Murphy
6669017 December 30, 2003 Linihan
6698608 March 2, 2004 Parker et al.
6721651 April 13, 2004 Minelli
6751552 June 15, 2004 Minelli
6760570 July 6, 2004 Higdon
6778388 August 17, 2004 Minelli
6785566 August 31, 2004 Irizarry
6819866 November 16, 2004 Silva
6822161 November 23, 2004 Komatsu et al.
6822640 November 23, 2004 Derocher
6844845 January 18, 2005 Whiteside et al.
6848930 February 1, 2005 Fukuda
6913201 July 5, 2005 Wagner et al.
6914774 July 5, 2005 Albertini et al.
D507871 August 2, 2005 DiMarchi et al.
6953126 October 11, 2005 Parker et al.
6954405 October 11, 2005 Polany et al.
6955293 October 18, 2005 Katsanevas
6971517 December 6, 2005 Chen
6975888 December 13, 2005 Buesseler et al.
6980777 December 27, 2005 Shepherd et al.
6983130 January 3, 2006 Chien et al.
6987527 January 17, 2006 Kossin
6992659 January 31, 2006 Gettemy
6995976 February 7, 2006 Richardson
D516807 March 14, 2006 Richardson et al.
7025274 April 11, 2006 Solomon et al.
7033215 April 25, 2006 Kobayashi
7046230 May 16, 2006 Zadesky et al.
7050712 May 23, 2006 Shimamura
7050841 May 23, 2006 Onda
7054441 May 30, 2006 Pletikosa
7061762 June 13, 2006 Canova et al.
7069063 June 27, 2006 Halkosaari et al.
7072467 July 4, 2006 Ono
7082264 July 25, 2006 Watanabe et al.
7085542 August 1, 2006 Dietrich et al.
7106959 September 12, 2006 Sato
D530079 October 17, 2006 Thomas et al.
7146701 December 12, 2006 Mahoney et al.
7158376 January 2, 2007 Richardson et al.
7180735 February 20, 2007 Thomas et al.
7194086 March 20, 2007 Pletikosa
7194202 March 20, 2007 Funahashi et al.
7194291 March 20, 2007 Peng
D542524 May 15, 2007 Richardson et al.
7230823 June 12, 2007 Richardson et al.
7236588 June 26, 2007 Gartrell
7255228 August 14, 2007 Kim
7263032 August 28, 2007 Polany et al.
7312984 December 25, 2007 Richardson et al.
7327841 February 5, 2008 Schreiber et al.
7341144 March 11, 2008 Tajiri et al.
7343184 March 11, 2008 Rostami
7352961 April 1, 2008 Watanabe et al.
7362570 April 22, 2008 Su
7365281 April 29, 2008 Yamaguchi et al.
7366555 April 29, 2008 Jokinen et al.
7369881 May 6, 2008 Tsujimoto
7389869 June 24, 2008 Mason
7400917 July 15, 2008 Wood et al.
D574819 August 12, 2008 Andre et al.
D575056 August 19, 2008 Tan
7409148 August 5, 2008 Takahashi et al.
7418278 August 26, 2008 Eriksson et al.
7428427 September 23, 2008 Brunstrom et al.
7436653 October 14, 2008 Yang et al.
D581421 November 25, 2008 Richardson et al.
7448908 November 11, 2008 Iwahori et al.
D582149 December 9, 2008 Tan
7464813 December 16, 2008 Carnevali
7464814 December 16, 2008 Carnevali
7495659 February 24, 2009 Marriott et al.
7495895 February 24, 2009 Carnevali
7499040 March 3, 2009 Zadesky et al.
7502550 March 10, 2009 Ariga
7511956 March 31, 2009 Tomioka et al.
7525792 April 28, 2009 Yokote
7535799 May 19, 2009 Polany et al.
D593319 June 2, 2009 Richardson et al.
7555325 June 30, 2009 Goros
D597089 July 28, 2009 Khan et al.
7558594 July 7, 2009 Wilson
7594576 September 29, 2009 Chen et al.
7609512 October 27, 2009 Richardson et al.
D603603 November 10, 2009 Laine et al.
7613386 November 3, 2009 Shimamura
7623898 November 24, 2009 Holmberg
D605850 December 15, 2009 Richardson et al.
D606751 December 29, 2009 Andre et al.
7630746 December 8, 2009 Holmberg
7653292 January 26, 2010 Yamaguchi et al.
7663878 February 16, 2010 Swan et al.
7663879 February 16, 2010 Richardson et al.
D611478 March 9, 2010 Richardson et al.
7679674 March 16, 2010 Nishizawa
7688580 March 30, 2010 Richardson et al.
7697269 April 13, 2010 Yang et al.
D616430 May 25, 2010 Fathollahi
7733642 June 8, 2010 Liou et al.
7755975 July 13, 2010 Pettersen et al.
D622716 August 31, 2010 Andre et al.
7772507 August 10, 2010 Orr et al.
7775354 August 17, 2010 Latchford et al.
7782610 August 24, 2010 Diebel et al.
7787756 August 31, 2010 Funahashi et al.
D623180 September 7, 2010 Diebel
D624532 September 28, 2010 Huskinson
7789228 September 7, 2010 Zenzai
7789696 September 7, 2010 Umei et al.
7801425 September 21, 2010 Fantone et al.
D624908 October 5, 2010 Huskinson
D624909 October 5, 2010 Huskinson
7850032 December 14, 2010 Carnevali et al.
7854434 December 21, 2010 Heiman et al.
7889489 February 15, 2011 Richardson et al.
7907394 March 15, 2011 Richardson et al.
7926818 April 19, 2011 Isono
7933122 April 26, 2011 Richardson et al.
7936566 May 3, 2011 Shigyo et al.
7941196 May 10, 2011 Kawasaki et al.
7944697 May 17, 2011 Hata et al.
7975870 July 12, 2011 Laule et al.
7978092 July 12, 2011 Osaka
7993071 August 9, 2011 Clawson
8004835 August 23, 2011 Conti et al.
8006020 August 23, 2011 Minoo
D644636 September 6, 2011 Richardson et al.
8024015 September 20, 2011 Araki et al.
8031472 October 4, 2011 Bicket et al.
8032194 October 4, 2011 Liu et al.
8053668 November 8, 2011 Lai et al.
8068331 November 29, 2011 Sauers et al.
8089757 January 3, 2012 Chen et al.
8101859 January 24, 2012 Zadesky
8112130 February 7, 2012 Mittleman et al.
8138434 March 20, 2012 Tang et al.
8160657 April 17, 2012 Perriello et al.
8164899 April 24, 2012 Yamaguchi et al.
8167126 May 1, 2012 Stiehl
8191706 June 5, 2012 Liu
8204561 June 19, 2012 Mongan et al.
8223997 July 17, 2012 Ron et al.
8245842 August 21, 2012 Bau
8251210 August 28, 2012 Schmidt et al.
8265264 September 11, 2012 Yamaguchi et al.
8269104 September 18, 2012 Choraku et al.
8286789 October 16, 2012 Wilson et al.
8295043 October 23, 2012 Tai et al.
8311595 November 13, 2012 Takatsuka et al.
8342325 January 1, 2013 Rayner
8373980 February 12, 2013 Reber
8393466 March 12, 2013 Rayner
8428664 April 23, 2013 Wyers
8430240 April 30, 2013 Kim
8454101 June 4, 2013 Kuo
8483786 July 9, 2013 Ramies
8520373 August 27, 2013 Liu
8526180 September 3, 2013 Rayner
8531824 September 10, 2013 Rayner
8531834 September 10, 2013 Rayner
8548541 October 1, 2013 Rayner
8564950 October 22, 2013 Rayner
8570737 October 29, 2013 Rayner
8584847 November 19, 2013 Tages et al.
8599547 December 3, 2013 Richardson et al.
8681103 March 25, 2014 Cha et al.
8708142 April 29, 2014 Rayner
8798675 August 5, 2014 Salmon et al.
8833379 September 16, 2014 Kaplan
8995126 March 31, 2015 Rayner
9276626 March 1, 2016 Rayner
9549598 January 24, 2017 Rayner
10090877 October 2, 2018 Rayner et al.
20010040109 November 15, 2001 Yaski et al.
20020003584 January 10, 2002 Kossin
20020009195 January 24, 2002 Schon
20020065054 May 30, 2002 Humphreys et al.
20020071550 June 13, 2002 Pletikosa
20020079244 June 27, 2002 Kwong
20020085709 July 4, 2002 Hsu
20020090212 July 11, 2002 Shimamura et al.
20020092742 July 18, 2002 Rohmer et al.
20020122353 September 5, 2002 Polany et al.
20020136557 September 26, 2002 Shimamura
20020137475 September 26, 2002 Shou et al.
20020175096 November 28, 2002 Linihan
20020175901 November 28, 2002 Gettemy
20020193136 December 19, 2002 Halkosaari et al.
20020195910 December 26, 2002 Hus et al.
20030080947 May 1, 2003 Genest et al.
20030095374 May 22, 2003 Richardson
20030111366 June 19, 2003 Enners
20030118332 June 26, 2003 Smith et al.
20030118334 June 26, 2003 Smith et al.
20030128397 July 10, 2003 Smith et al.
20030223577 December 4, 2003 Ono
20040014506 January 22, 2004 Kemppinen
20040076415 April 22, 2004 Silva
20040089570 May 13, 2004 Chien et al.
20040120219 June 24, 2004 Polany et al.
20040121226 June 24, 2004 Kaelin et al.
20040188120 September 30, 2004 Komatsu et al.
20040195783 October 7, 2004 Akagi et al.
20040203502 October 14, 2004 Dietrich et al.
20040226836 November 18, 2004 Schreiber et al.
20050052425 March 10, 2005 Zadesky et al.
20050094024 May 5, 2005 Sato
20050110768 May 26, 2005 Marriott et al.
20050115852 June 2, 2005 Funahashi et al.
20050123161 June 9, 2005 Polany et al.
20050139498 June 30, 2005 Goros
20050167304 August 4, 2005 Shimamura
20050174727 August 11, 2005 Thomas et al.
20050181843 August 18, 2005 Tsujimoto
20050224508 October 13, 2005 Tajiri et al.
20050247584 November 10, 2005 Lu
20050279655 December 22, 2005 Chen
20050279661 December 22, 2005 Hodges
20060003709 January 5, 2006 Wood
20060008261 January 12, 2006 Watanabe et al.
20060110146 May 25, 2006 Ariga
20060113173 June 1, 2006 Matsumoto et al.
20060169608 August 3, 2006 Carnevali
20060255493 November 16, 2006 Fouladpour
20060274493 December 7, 2006 Richardson et al.
20070040931 February 22, 2007 Nishizawa
20070071423 March 29, 2007 Fantone et al.
20070074473 April 5, 2007 Yamaguchi et al.
20070086273 April 19, 2007 Polany et al.
20070109730 May 17, 2007 Shigyo et al.
20070110416 May 17, 2007 Yamaguchi et al.
20070115387 May 24, 2007 Ho
20070138920 June 21, 2007 Austin et al.
20070139873 June 21, 2007 Thomas et al.
20070146985 June 28, 2007 Mick et al.
20070158220 July 12, 2007 Cleereman et al.
20070171603 July 26, 2007 Yang et al.
20070184781 August 9, 2007 Huskinson
20070215663 September 20, 2007 Chongson et al.
20070241012 October 18, 2007 Latchford et al.
20070261976 November 15, 2007 Anderson
20070261978 November 15, 2007 Sanderson
20070280053 December 6, 2007 Polany et al.
20070297149 December 27, 2007 Richardson et al.
20080055258 March 6, 2008 Sauers
20080081679 April 3, 2008 Kawasaki et al.
20080157485 July 3, 2008 Isono
20080164267 July 10, 2008 Huber
20090005136 January 1, 2009 Hutzel et al.
20090009945 January 8, 2009 Johnson et al.
20090017884 January 15, 2009 Rotschild
20090028535 January 29, 2009 Funahashi et al.
20090032420 February 5, 2009 Zenzai
20090080153 March 26, 2009 Richardson et al.
20090087655 April 2, 2009 Yamada et al.
20090090532 April 9, 2009 Lai et al.
20090109635 April 30, 2009 Chen et al.
20090117957 May 7, 2009 Araki et al.
20090167545 July 2, 2009 Osaka
20090175020 July 9, 2009 Zadesky
20090211775 August 27, 2009 Yamaguchi et al.
20090215412 August 27, 2009 Liu et al.
20090260844 October 22, 2009 Tseng
20100006314 January 14, 2010 Ron et al.
20100020393 January 28, 2010 Mazzio
20100044198 February 25, 2010 Tang et al.
20100053355 March 4, 2010 Iwase et al.
20100085691 April 8, 2010 Yeh et al.
20100093412 April 15, 2010 Serra et al.
20100104814 April 29, 2010 Richardson et al.
20100144194 June 10, 2010 Umei et al.
20100147737 June 17, 2010 Richardson et al.
20100181108 July 22, 2010 Hata et al.
20100200456 August 12, 2010 Parkinson
20100203931 August 12, 2010 Hynecek et al.
20100206601 August 19, 2010 Choraku et al.
20100238119 September 23, 2010 Dubrovsky et al.
20100251827 October 7, 2010 Bourbeau et al.
20100311475 December 9, 2010 Takatsuka et al.
20100313485 December 16, 2010 Kuo
20110002106 January 6, 2011 Bentley et al.
20110017620 January 27, 2011 Latchford et al.
20110024315 February 3, 2011 Kim
20110073608 March 31, 2011 Richardson et al.
20110157055 June 30, 2011 Tilley et al.
20110157800 June 30, 2011 Richardson et al.
20110228460 September 22, 2011 Kim et al.
20110300731 December 8, 2011 Nakamura
20120018325 January 26, 2012 Kim
20120019920 January 26, 2012 Mongan et al.
20120031914 February 9, 2012 Liu
20120043235 February 23, 2012 Klement
20120067711 March 22, 2012 Yang
20120099261 April 26, 2012 Reber
20120099262 April 26, 2012 Reber et al.
20120099265 April 26, 2012 Reber
20120099266 April 26, 2012 Reber et al.
20120100737 April 26, 2012 Frey
20120103844 May 3, 2012 Piedra et al.
20120118773 May 17, 2012 Rayner
20120168336 July 5, 2012 Schmidt et al.
20120180852 July 19, 2012 Cheng et al.
20120261289 October 18, 2012 Wyner et al.
20120305422 December 6, 2012 Vandiver
20120314354 December 13, 2012 Rayner
20130027862 January 31, 2013 Rayner
20130043777 February 21, 2013 Rayner
20130077226 March 28, 2013 Rayner
20130084728 April 4, 2013 Omae et al.
20130088130 April 11, 2013 Rayner
20130088813 April 11, 2013 Su et al.
20130088828 April 11, 2013 Rayner
20130092576 April 18, 2013 Rayner
20130098788 April 25, 2013 McCarville et al.
20130156218 June 20, 2013 Annacone et al.
20130188312 July 25, 2013 Rayner
20130220841 August 29, 2013 Yang
20130242481 September 19, 2013 Kim et al.
20130334072 December 19, 2013 Rayner
20140038443 February 6, 2014 Campbell et al.
20140065847 March 6, 2014 Salmon et al.
20140099526 April 10, 2014 Powell et al.
20140152890 June 5, 2014 Rayner
20140187289 July 3, 2014 Cataldo et al.
20140213088 July 31, 2014 Furuya et al.
20140228074 August 14, 2014 Kulkarni et al.
20140248787 September 4, 2014 Suzuki et al.
20140262848 September 18, 2014 Fathollahi et al.
20140339012 November 20, 2014 Richardson et al.
20150102073 April 16, 2015 Pusateri
20150172798 June 18, 2015 Chao
20150194994 July 9, 2015 Soriano
20150257285 September 10, 2015 Wilson et al.
Foreign Patent Documents
2012271660 December 2012 AU
29612454 September 1996 DE
1018680 July 2000 EP
1939263 July 2008 EP
2129202 December 2009 EP
2180773 April 2010 EP
2482877 February 2012 GB
H0561069 August 1993 JP
H0818637 June 1994 JP
3060175 July 1999 JP
3066786 March 2000 JP
2000125916 May 2000 JP
2000341383 December 2000 JP
2001046132 February 2001 JP
2001061530 March 2001 JP
2002280757 September 2002 JP
2003164316 June 2003 JP
3458295 October 2003 JP
2003304161 October 2003 JP
2004070657 March 2004 JP
2005129807 May 2005 JP
1994000037 January 1994 WO
1999041958 August 1999 WO
2000051315 August 2000 WO
2002011161 February 2002 WO
2011039723 April 2011 WO
2012074151 June 2012 WO
2012051358 December 2012 WO
2012174175 December 2012 WO
2013096927 June 2013 WO
Other references
  • BodyGloveMobile—Apple iPhone 4 & 4S Zero 360 Case-Clear-Flat Back (no clip) [Retrieved from http://bodyglovemobile.com/product/apple-iphone-4-amp-4s-zero-360deg-case- -clear-flat- back-no-clip,338,63.htm. Dated Apr. 9, 2012].
  • Casemate Chrome with Mirror Screen Protector for iPhone 4/4S Case-Mate [Retrieved from http://www.case-mate.com/iPhone-4-Cases/Case-Mate-iPhone-4-4S-Chrome-with- -Mirror- Screen-Protector.asp. Dated Apr. 9, 2012].
  • Drafahl, Jack; Drafahl, Sue, A Supremely Compact Video Housing, Ikelite's Sony TR-5, Skin Diver Magazine New Product Series, Nov. 1990.
  • Drafahl, Jack; Drafahl, Sue, Aqua Video Housing for the Sony CCD-V99, Skin Diver Magazine, Dec. 1989.
  • Drafahl, Jack; Drafahl, Sue, Hypertech Pro-40 An U/W video housing that is tough as nails, Skin Diver Magazine, Jun. 1989.
  • Drafahl, Jack; Drafahl, Sue, Hypertech's Pro-9A Housing Tough as a Tank in Battle, Skin Diver Magazine, Apr. 1989.
  • Drafahl, Jack; Drafahl, Sue, Ikelite Video Housing for the Sony CCD-V9 Diving's First Hybrid Video Case, Skin Diver Magazine, May 1989.
  • Drafahl, Jack; Drafahl, Sue, Ikelite's CCD-V101 A Sony Housing That Allows Access to 25 Camera Functions, Skin Diver Magazine, Jun. 1991.
  • Drafahl, Jack; Drafahl, Sue, Ikelite's JVC GR-A1U Housing, Full Range Auto Focus Video from Macro to Infinity, Skin Diver Magazine, Jun. 1990.
  • Drafahl, Jack; Drafahl, Sue, Sea & Sea VX-1000 Digital Video Goes Underwater, Skin Diver Magazine, Mar. 1998.
  • Drafahl, Jack; Drafahl, Sue, Sea & Sea's CX-600, Skin Diver Magazine, Dec. 1997.
  • Drafahl, Jack; Drafahl, Sue, The Delux PRO-PAK6, Equinox's Answer to the Ideal Video Housing, Skin Diver Magazine, Oct. 1989.
  • Eaglecell, Inc.—Eaglecell Phone Accessories—iPhone 4(AT&T/Verizon)/ 4S(AT&T/Verizon/Sprint) [Retrieved from http://www.eaglecell.com/Ecommerce/general/BrowsrCategory.aspx?C . . . Dated Apr. 9, 2012].
  • Gadgetmac—CaseMate Phantom Case for iPhone 4/S Review [Retrieved from http://www.gadgetmac.com/reviews/case-mate-phantom-case-for-iphon . . . Dated Apr. 9, 2012].
  • Griffin cases & covers for iPhone 4 and iPhone 4s [Retrieved from http://www.griffintechnology.com/iphone/cases. Dated Apr. 9, 2012].
  • Hard Candy Cases—Bubble 360 Case for the new iPAD [Retrieved from http://www.hardcandycases.com/bubble-360-case-for-new-ipad.html. Dated Apr. 9, 2012].
  • OtterBox Commuter Series Cases OtterBox.com [Retrieved from http://www.otterbox.com/commuter-series,default,pg.html. Dated Apr. 9, 2012].
  • Sony Corporation, MPK-F40/F340 Service Manual Handycam Marine Pack Sony, Published by an Engineering Service Department, 1988.
  • Sony Corporation, MPK-TR, Operating Instructions, Handycam Marine Pack, Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine, 1990.
  • TakTik—iPhone Case [Retrieved from http://articlesdownload.com/2012/08/16taktik-premiumprotection-system . . . Dated Apr. 9, 2012].
Patent History
Patent number: 10827809
Type: Grant
Filed: Mar 26, 2019
Date of Patent: Nov 10, 2020
Patent Publication Number: 20190307217
Assignee: Otter Products, LLC (Fort Collins, CO)
Inventor: Michael S. Skahan (Ramona, CA)
Primary Examiner: Scott T McNurlen
Application Number: 16/364,469
Classifications
Current U.S. Class: Including Means For Adjusting Receiver Relative To The Support Structure (224/631)
International Classification: A45C 11/00 (20060101);